Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women

Girls and women can both suffer from ADHD. While both men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently, it is also possible for women to suffer from the condition. However, lingering stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it harder for them to be properly evaluated and treated.

These strategies are often harmful and not sustainable. Here are a few of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adult women.

1. Unfocused attention

Women suffering from ADHD can be prone to feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks. They often have a difficult time to keep track of multiple deadlines, emails, and meetings. They are also more likely to miss important dates or events. They may also have difficulty concentration in noisy or busy environments. This could result in missed opportunities as well as a lower quality of work.

These challenges can lead to frustration for many people with ADHD. They may feel that they reflect of themselves or their performance. They often suffer from low self-esteem and a negative image of themselves. They may also be struggling to keep relationships stable and develop effective coping strategies. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking or drugs. This may make others less likely to recognize their struggles and delay a diagnosis.


Adults suffering from ADHD are often sensitive to criticism or failure. ADHD in adults symptoms women can cause them to internalize the issue and make it difficult for them to seek help. They may also have problems with relationships and are unable to find work that is meaningful. They may be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In certain cases the symptoms may cause a mental disorder such as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI) which can be expressed through cutting or burning.

ADHD is more common in men and boys, but symptoms can linger and affect many areas of your life. Women must recognize the symptoms and seek an evaluation by a medical professional. A proper diagnosis can result in better-managed symptoms and a better quality of life.

2. Disorganization

Women suffering from ADHD feel overwhelmed as if they are in chaos. They might miss deadlines at work or have difficulty keeping up with household or work tasks like paying bills and making appointments. They might have a chaotic home and finances, and struggle to maintain stable relationships and work.

Inattentive ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and miscommunications in relationships with friends, partners and colleagues. These problems can lead to broken or strained connections and feelings of loneliness. Forgetfulness, difficulty in listening and the tendency to "zone out" or to not pay attention, can cause misunderstandings with loved ones.

Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from symptoms of impulsivity, emotional instability, and mood swings. These can cause disruption in their professional and personal lives. Women with untreated ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of their families, work as well as society. They might be more sensitive to criticism or harsh judgement.

There are methods to manage these symptoms. For many adults, treatment options include lifestyle changes and the use of specialized organizational tools and prescription stimulant medications.

Women with ADHD might be able cover up their ADHD symptoms better than men, which can lead to being undiagnosed until later in life. They are more likely to be suffering from comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also struggle to maintain stable relationships and jobs and be afflicted by low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the person's genetic makeup, chromosomes and hormones, and anatomy; gender refers to the internal sense of self as a man, woman, nonbinary, or other gender identity; and mental health conditions are often diagnosed based on both.

3. Anxiety

Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotions may be exacerbated due to the inability of keeping the track of appointments and daily tasks that can cause health issues such as missing check-ups, late payments and even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and apathy of ADHD can also create problems with relationships with colleagues, partners and even friends.

Many women come up with strategies to disguise their symptoms. This could make it difficult for others to notice that they're having difficulty staying organized and focused. These strategies of coping could be healthy, such as creating an annual schedule or setting phone reminders, or they may be unhealthy, such as relying on alcohol or other drugs to manage or overcome their challenges. These strategies for coping can make women feel stressed and insecure which can cause them to doubt their abilities and self-confidence. This can lead to feelings of depression or anxiety.

In addition, women with ADHD often experience a sense of not fitting in or achieving social norms which can cause low self-esteem and a sense of frustration. They may also face challenges at work, such as difficulties in establishing organizational skills, adhering to corporate policies or sticking to a regular 9-to-5 schedule. They may have difficulty managing their finances due to disorganization or excessive spending. Also, they might be struggling to complete work assignments or completing homework.

ADHD is a chronic condition that requires ongoing care, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite the prevalence of the disorder however, it's still under-diagnosed, misunderstood and untreated. The lingering stigmas, referral bias internalized symptoms, comorbidities, and hormonal changes all contribute to the unique symptom-based presentation of ADHD in females.

4. Impulsivity

Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They can be easily annoyed or overly excited, and they might lose track of time or be late for events. They may also have difficulty reading body language and picking up social signals. This could cause issues at work or with relationships. They might be susceptible to arguments or spend too much time with interests and hobbies that are not important to them. They might also have trouble keeping relationships or forming connections because they are unable to keep their commitments and promises.

Women are generally better in establishing coping mechanisms that aid in reducing their ADHD symptoms, making it harder for them to get diagnosed than men. They could, for example develop routines to assist them in staying organized, or utilize apps to remind themselves of their appointments. They may alter their lifestyle to conform to societal expectations and norms. They might even hide their symptoms by using alcohol or drugs to manage, which can cause serious health problems in the long term.

Many people suffering from ADHD outgrow their symptoms, but others do not. About 60% of women who have ADHD in childhood continue to be affected into adulthood, compared to 30% of men.

If you are unable to achieve relief with lifestyle or medication professional help can be helpful. There are a myriad of options, such as life coaching, career coaching, and counseling, as well as medications such as stimulants. Exercise is also beneficial to boost your mood and increase your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters which boost motivation and attention. It can also reduce anxiety and stress.

5. Reactivity to emotions

Women and girls with ADHD are frequently affected by emotional reactivity. They may struggle with controlling their emotions and communicating them in a proper manner. This can cause frustration for both themselves and others. For instance, a person with ADHD may become angry when her partner critiques her, but she may not be able to settle down and talk about the problem in a more rational way. She also might struggle to "pause" her reaction by recognizing bodily signals that indicate she's getting overexcited or overwhelmed, such as flushing skin or a shortness of breath.

This difficulty in regulating emotions can lead to confusion and frustration, and can make people with ADHD more prone to anxiety or depression. It can also lead to problems with social interactions because it is difficult to discern people's moods or pick up social signals.

In some instances, those who suffer from ADHD might appear emotionally distant and uninterested in their family or loved ones, even when they really are concerned about them. In other situations, they may withdraw from situations that trigger emotions to avoid feeling emotions that are intense.

Gender bias is common among doctors and the effects of ADHD on women are often overlooked because of the nature of their symptoms. Women often hide their ADHD symptoms, and when they do appear, they are more likely to be mistakenly diagnosed as depression or anxiety disorders. If you're experiencing trouble with these symptoms, it might be beneficial to talk to an experienced mental health professional who has experience in working with women and girls who suffer from ADHD. They can confirm your experiences, teach you strategies like self-awareness and pacing, as well as provide you with psychoeducation for your family to help you identify and manage the upcoming ADHD symptoms.